Flying the simulator with a high degree of realism requires that the navigation data are up-to- date. The provided world package is based on the latest AIPs and J eppesen information; it includes a collection of modified BGL files (build from default FSX/P3D files) that will update VORs and NDBs, affecting instrument readings as well as map and GPS displays. A dedicated installer is provided so as to select the regions to be updated, move the necessary files to their FSX/P3D locations, backup the original files and restore them if needed. Optionally, ILSs data and runway changes can also be corrected in the Europe region (corresponding to FSX/P3D zones 0501; 0502, 0601 and 0602). As a general rule, a few NDBs (those that are contained in airport APX*.BGL files) may not be corrected and, except for the Europe update if ILS update is selected, airport BGLs (APX* BGL files) are untouched. 1 METHODS All changes were performed by decompiling, correcting and recompiling stock BGL files that contain the navaids data. 2 PACKAGE CONTENT After decompressing the FSXP3D_WorldNavaids package (.zip) in the folder of your choice, check that the following files have been extracted: A) In the root directory FSXP3DNavaids_Installer.exe: the program that will automate the install/uninstall process, FSXP3DNavaidsUpdate.pdf: this file, World_Regions.jpg: an image file detailing the geographical delimitation of the selectable regions. B) FSXP3DFiles subfolder: this folder contains all the new BGL files, as well as a small text file indicating the current Navaids cycle and an internal list the program makes use of (text file). 3 INSTALL and UNINSTALL The FSXP3DNavaids_Installer.exe program automatically checks the available simulator versions (a choice will be proposed if several are detected), then installs or uninstalls the necessary BGL files for it. When installing, only more recent BGL files than the current ones are replaced in the regions that have been selected. All default files are saved with a [.raxini] (FSX) or [p3dini] (P3D) extension. These backup files are necessary for uninstalling the package with the program. So, do not delete them. Note that update will not be possible if FSX/P3D is installed in a protected folder (e.g. Program Files (x86)) unless user account has full administrative rights and UAC is fully disabled (Vista & Windows 7; for Windows 8 see here). In some cases, you may have to launch the installer using the Run as administrator command.
Optional update of the default magnetic variation BGL file is also proposed (will be grayed if you already updated it). You may also wish to discard all airport file updates by selecting the corresponding option (in such a case ILS & runway Ids will not be updated). The FSXP3DNavaids_Installer executable is a VB6 program that is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. However, for Vista and above, you will have a pop up warning message if you didnt disable the Program Compatibility Assistant feature.
J ust select This program installed correctly and you will not be warned the next time you launch the installer. Alternatively, you may turn off the Program Compatibility Assistant by stopping or disabling the associated service. 4 LIMITATIONS and ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Replacing BGL files within the simulator cannot be done if the simulator is active. The installation program will look at that and warn you accordingly. The program automatically detects FSX/P3D installation directories. In some cases, this process may fail. In such a case, it is recommended you repair the Windows registry data. A registry repair tool is available on the Flight1 software site. The update will replace stock BGL files. Therefore, any additional scenery will have the same priority as it had before by reference to the default scenery files. 5 KNOWN PROBLEMS Replacement of stock navaids BGL files has known side effects on generated flight plans, map display and AI traffic. Due to the fact the simulator also uses BGLs that contain airway definitions (not updated by this project) and that some airport BGL files may still contain invalid references to nonexistent VORs or NDBs, flight planning usually fail and may result in crashing the simulator. Loading a sim-generated saved PLN file may have similar effects as well as switching to map view may in some areas. GPS display is not affected. Even if default flight planning is often impossible after updating navigational aids, you must be aware that many airways, navaids and intersections have changed (FSX and P3D information date back several years) and that default flight planning is anyway unreliable. Indeed, most serious simmers are more searching for an up-to-date definition of radioaids so as to use conventional radio navigation instruments and/or GPS information from current AIPs; they also perform flight planning either from charts or using 3 rd party tools that already include up-to-date aeronautical information. They do not use the integrated flight planner and seldom make use of map viewing. Loading PLN files that have been generated by any other mean than the simulator itself is not a problem as far you do not intend to view or edit it. Such users will not have any problem with the provided package. For those who still wish to use the integrated flight planner editor and/or map screen or encounter problems when loading a flight plan, avoiding simulator crash can usually be achieved by deactivating airway depiction and intersections on the flight planner and map screens. 1 Before loading a flight plan, disable the drawing of Victor and J et airways in the Edit menu (the V and J buttons should now be red in FSX or disabled in P3D; the below flight plan and map pictures refer to FSX settings; P3D settings are similar). In some areas you will also have to deactivate the drawing of intersections (the triangle),
2 Also deactivate airways drawing (and possibly intersections) in the Map view
If you cannot open the flight planner and/or map screens because of a crash, you could try to modify the following lines of the FSX.cfg (FSX) or UISettings.xml (P3D) file before launching the simulator: FSX P3D In the [MAPVIEW_MAP] section In all sections SHOW_VICTOR=0 <VictorAirway>false</VictorAirway> SHOW_J ET=0 <J etAirway>false</J etAirway> SHOW_INTERSECTIONS=0 <AirwayIntersection>false</AirwayIntersection> In the [FlightPlanMap] section No change appears to be possible here for P3D SHOW_VICTOR=0 SHOW_J ET=0 SHOW_INTERSECTIONS=0 3 If you are still unable to load an already existing flight plan without crashing the simulator, first locate your aircraft in another area, load your flight plan and then relocate your aircraft at the intended departing airport. 6 HOW TO CHECK FOR A POSSIBLE NAVAID ANOMALY If you think that, after applying the Navaids Update, some data are erroneous or not properly corrected, please carry out the following checks: 1 In the World / Scenery Library menu, first disable all third party sceneries as well as the Addon Scenery area. Click on the OK button and relaunch the simulator,
2 Then check again the dysfunctional navaid. Know that most problems come from installed 3 rd party add-on sceneries. Also be aware that a few NDBs may not be corrected by the present update (those that are contained in untouched airport BGL files). Please feel free to email me in case you detect an error so as I correct it as soon as possible. 7 PROGRAM FAILURES In case the program is unable to install or uninstall some of the provided BGL files for whatever reason, a message will warn you and a Navaids_Installer.log file will be created in the application directory. In such a case, close the program without performing any further action and provide me the following information: Operating system, version of the simulator and install folder, installer program version, user privileges (standard user or administrator), User Account Control settings (for Vista and above) and attach to your message the Navaids_Installer log file. 8 COPYRIGHT and REDISTRIBUTION 1 Usage and distribution This package and the accompanying installer software are released as freeware. As so, permission is granted to distribute it unchanged on any free media and on any mailbox or network that does not have a per-file download charge. If you want to include parts of it to your own program, package or web site, please ask me. 2 Limitation of warranty This software and package are provided "as-is" without any express or implied warranty. In no event shall the author be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary or consequential damages (including but not limited to loss of data or profits) arising from the use of this software even if advised of the possibility of such damage.
Herv Sors 9-J an-2014 Documentation version 5.10 hsors@hotmail.com http://www.aero.sors.fr